Illinois Casino Revenue Still Up In Spite Of Smoking Ban

The ban on smoking inside casinos in Illinois is possibly one of the first in the U.S. when it comes into effect, many operators are apprehensive. They think that the ban will affect facilities’ revenue collection. Financial observers too think that the Illinois casino sector will record low revenue. Surprisingly, a new study reveals something different. The NO SMOKING inside all casinos in Illinois does not have any effect on revenue. The Bureau of Economic Research says that the ban does not affect in any way revenue collection. Although the study shows that there isn’t impact, this is not what a section of operators say. Riverboat casinos, which are part of the state’s commercial facilities, differ. Operators of these casinos say that things will be different.

Why Did Illinois Casinos Ban Smoking?

These operators claim that things will be very different. “Things will not be the same. Revenues in our facilities will go up if visitors have the freedom to puff their way. They will be happy to spend as much as they want. Selling cigar itself will be money. Allowing a client to smoke as they want without the fear of prosecution will change everything,” they say. The problem with the Illinois smoke ban is that it comes at a wrong time. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act bans the smoking of cigar and other substances inside facilities. No one will also smoke when they are 15 feet from the entrance.

A Month Before The Great Recession of 2008

The ban starts to work just a month before America faces the Great Recession of 2008. Since then, the ban is still on. Because of the Great Recession, it is hard to know the cause of low revenue. Many casino operators, however, do not blame the smoke ban, which is because few visitors smoke. A majority of the guests to their facilities are non-smokers. Also, this helps make the resort clean. These operators, however, feel that there are many more things. Among the things they say are economic hardships. These are beyond a simple smoke ban. Because of these many reasons, it is hard to quantify the reasons.

Issue Of Video Games Proliferation In The State

The study looks at many things. It delves into what casinos collect before the recession. It also digs into what the collection is during the recession, together with during the ban. What is more, the study endeavors to do a spot check on neighboring states? The study looks at casino collections in Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, and Iowa. Besides, there is the issue of video games proliferation in the state. After looking at all these things, the National Bureau of Economic Research concludes that there is no harm. The ban does not have any negative effect on casino revenue collection.

The Illinois Casino Study Indicates Good Results

“Estimates from our study indicate good results. Illinois smoking ban has no significant negative economic consequences. The law does not affect the amount of revenue a casino collects. It does not affect casinos regarding per-capita admissions or revenues,” says Dr. John Tauras. Dr. John says that the study is a wakeup call for tribal casinos. More than 75 percent of these casinos nationally do not have an anti-smoking policy. So, if you operate an Illinois casino, do not worry. The smoking ban doesn’t turn away revenue.

The ban on smoking inside casinos in Illinois is possibly one of the first in the U.S. when it comes into effect, many operators are apprehensive. They think that the ban will affect facilities’ revenue collection. Financial observers too think that the Illinois casino sector will record low revenue. Surprisingly, a new study reveals something different. The NO SMOKING inside all casinos in Illinois does not have any effect on revenue.